I am trying to figure out a way to create a slow release water system using rain barrels and drip lines. The default config would be a valve at the bottom letting water exit slowly via gravity into the drip lines. Problems are that at high flow, the water runs out quickly. At low flow, emitters at the beginning of the drip line get more water than those at the end. Would inserting wicking material through the length of the drip line help for a more even distribution of water during slow releases? (Mainly looking into this to keep soil wet during vacations!)]]>http://www.permies.com/forums/posts/preList/14219/126851http://www.permies.com/forums/posts/preList/14219/126851
Water Wicking (capillary action) In terms of other ideas, soaker hoses release water more evenly over larger areas, and they make ones that work in low pressure systems such as rain barrels. You could also sub-irrigate the beds and have a regularly scheduled release of water to fill up the sub-irrigation reservoirs. If you're unfamiliar with sub-irrigation, it's very relevant to the idea of capillary action, and I suggest you look into it. Here's a good demonstration of it: